Chapter 30 (1/2)

Chapter 30

Some things when broken can never be restored to its original form no matter how determined the mender. As for Cheng Zheng and Yun Jin, neither could bear to forsake their past together so they stuck doggedly to the frail semblance of a relations.h.i.+p.

Neither brought up that night ever again. Both wanted the relations.h.i.+p to last in the long run but they didn’t know how to return to their glory days. They treaded carefully around the other – one misinterpreted word, one wrong look could hurt. As time pa.s.sed, they conversed less and less and each tended to their own wounds silently.

The small apartment, which was once their cosy haven, was now a stifling enclave to them. Cheng Zheng’s overtime s.h.i.+fts increased steadily and he would often return late in the night reeking of cigarettes and alcohol. Similarly, Yun Jin grew more reticent. She stuck to her old routine of playing Go on her computer after work though it ought to be noted that her standard never improved. When she had the time, she would still prepare dinner for two though she no longer asked if he was coming home to eat.

One day, Cheng Zheng was surprisingly punctual home. When he entered, she was busy in the kitchen. She was so absorbed in slicing the vegetables that she was completely unaware that he had returned. Cheng Zheng coughed lightly to get her attention. She stared at him dazed as the sharp chopping knife hung in mid-air which caused a chill to run down his spine.

“You’re back. Dinner will be ready soon.” She smiled at him before resuming the task at hand.

Cheng Zheng gingerly removed the knife from her grasp “There’s no need to prepare dinner tonight. Zhou Zi Yi is here on a.s.signment so he’s organising a meet-up with all us old cla.s.smates. Turns out quite a number of us are here. Do you remember your table-mate Song Ming? The short bespectacled boy? He’s now a technician with XX airline. Meng Xue and Zhou Jing are in Shenzhen and would make their way over tonight.”

Having said his piece, he walked to the living room. When he didn’t get any sort of acknowledgement from her, he added “Let’s go together. I hear Mo Yu Hua will be there as well.”

In the VIP lounge of Xing Ju night club, the dim disco lights, deafening music and sound of gla.s.ses clinking intermixed with rowdy merriment contributed to the fantastic atmosphere. What was originally intended to be a small-scale gathering amongst old friends had a turn-out of over ten people which included students from neighbouring cla.s.ses.

It had been six, seven years since their graduation. The awkward teenagers had long grown up. Some had not seen each other since graduating and upon noting how much they’ve changed ever since, would sigh that time had been too fleeting.

Zhou Jing was married and currently working as a businesslady. She had a dignified air; there was no longer any trace of the country girl. Meng  Xue was now an air stewardess with Shen Zhen airlines and was as demure as ever. In fact, she looked every bit the successful lady. Song Ming underwent the greatest transformation. The small boy who used to wear thick gla.s.ses was now broad shouldered. Although he couldn’t be said to be handsome but he carried himself well and was gentlemanly.

Only Zhou Zi Yi remained the same carefree, impish ruffian as before. Luckily for him, he was still handsome and suave. Apparently, after he graduated from university, he followed in his father’s footsteps and went into the property marketing, He even had a fiancee who was compatible in both looks and social standing. Rumour was that he intended to get married the moment the girl returned from her overseas studies.

Mo Yu Hua had long shed her chubby figure from her younger days though she still looked as ordinary as ever. But now, she had a scholarly disposition.

That night, the two who received the most attention was undeniably Cheng Zheng and Yun Jin. Everyone wanted to toast their model couple who finally got together despite all the past misunderstandings.

Cheng Zheng was in a good mood; he did not decline a single toast and downed every cup of alcohol enthusiastically, including Yun Jin’s share. After several rounds, Cheng Zheng was tipsy despite his high alcohol threshold.

Since Yun Jin and Mo Yu Hua had not met in a long while, the two retreated to a corner to converse privately so ironically Meng Xue was the one who could not bear to see Cheng Zheng get further drunk; she beseeched Zhou Zi Yi to intervene and drink on Cheng Zheng’s behalf.

Zhou Zi Yi teased “This is strange. The official girlfriend has no reaction so why are you feeling bad?”

Meng Xue slammed her cup onto the table “Because I’ve been friends with Cheng Zheng and we even ran around b.u.t.t naked as kids! So what? If you dare, drink up!”

Zhou Zi Yi smiled. He was not a foolish man and he wisely avoided engaging in direct conflict with Meng Xue.

In Yun Jin’s corner, Mo Yu Hua observed the events unfold and asked “What’s wrong? Something doesn’t seem right between you and your man.”

Yun Jin smiled bitterly “It’s not a simple issue. We’ve been like this for a long time now.”

“Why put yourself through such misery? How Cheng Zheng treats you, everyone knows. To have such a man love you so devotedly is really a blessing so why be piqued over a moment’s rashness? If you lose him, you’ll regret it.”

“How could I not know he’s wonderful? I want to be nice to him too but how is it that two people who want nothing but the best for each other could feel so weary together? Yu Hua, do you believe in affinity?”

“I do. But I also believe in working hard to keep the relations.h.i.+p going. Oh look!” she motioned at Yun Jin.

Cheng Zheng was very drunk and in his stupor, was resting his head on Meng Xue’s shoulder. Meng Xue looked uncomfortable as she pushed him off. He wobbled for a moment before coming to rest on her again. The second time, she didn’t try to maintain their distance and her eyes held regret as she looked at him tenderly.

“What are our two beauties doing whispering in the corner?” Zhou Zi Yi walked over with a cup of alcohol in hand.

“Yu Hua, it’s been a while. You’re much prettier.” He didn’t seem to recall the awkward incident of yesteryear.

“Have I? I think it’s you that have become more skilled at paying compliments.” Yu Hua joked in return.

Yun Jin rose “Both of you have a chat. I’ll go check on Cheng Zheng.”